“Will do, boss. Good call, Emily. Thanks.” For a half hour, Saks poked around the wiring and found the worn casing. It was just a small spot, but it allowed the wires exposure to the elements. He gave Luke the bad news that the owner would have to take it to the dealership if he wanted it repaired for free.
But Luke wasn't about to give up. “Em,” called Luke again. “Call the Suzuki shop to see if the recall is still valid on that bike.”
“Sure thing, hon.”
Luke stood from his crouching position next to the Harley he was working on, and wiped his hands on a rag. “Let’s get lunch,” he said.
“What about Emily?”
“She’s leaving for the day after we come back. She doesn’t mind manning the fort for lunch.”
“I’ve got a sandwich in the fridge.”
“Chuck it. I’m buying.”
Luke buying was a rare thing, so Saks wouldn't pass that up. And there was no reason not to kill two birds with one stone. “Sure, how about the Red Bull?”
“The Red Bull?”
“Yeah, I left my bike there last night.”
Luke shrugged. “Sure. Whatever.”
Sheldon, the owner, stood behind the bar when they arrived. He nodded at Saks after they both removed their Hades’ Spawn jackets and hung them by the door. The Roccos insisted no one displayed their colors in the bar, and those bikers who didn’t honor the edict found themselves barred.
Surprisingly, a banner hung from the rafters. “Spring Dance” it said, giving a date of this coming Saturday. “Music, appetizers, and beer, all inclusive, $49.99 per person. See bartender for tickets.” Saks stared in disbelief. He hadn’t seen the banner last night. The Red Bull never had events like this. He walked to the bar, intending to get information. “Hey, Sheldon,” he said, jerking his thumb toward the sign. “What’s that about?”
“Hey, Anthony. We’re just having a get-together. You’ll come, of course. You should come, too,” Sheldon said to Luke.
“Saturday’s a club night,” replied Luke.
“Tell you what. Any Hades’ Spawn wants to come, half price. We’ve missed you guys here since you opened your clubhouse.”
“I’ll tell the guys.”
The back door opened and shut loudly. “You do that. Give me a sec; there’s a new customer. Have a seat wherever you like.” Sheldon bolted to the end of the bar.
Saks and Luke sat at a booth at the front window, overlooking the street. The waitress took their order of wings, potato skins, and beer.
“I can't believe you’d leave your bike here, even if the Roccos are your cousins.”
Saks stared out the window at the cars that travelled the four-lane highway. “Unavoidable,” he replied. His eyes flicked to his phone, which he put on the table, and with a frown he looked out the window again.
“Sorta like how you’ve been checking your phone all day?”
The waitress noisily set their beers on the table and Saks took a sip. He didn’t want to talk about last night or Chrissy. Apparently Luke noticed that, too.
“Okay, I won’t pry. I’ve got something else to talk about.”
“I figured you had ulterior motives.”
Luke nodded. “I do. Emily and I have been talking about ways of expanding business.”
“That’s good,” said Saks, not sure what it had to do with him.
“And you’re aware I enjoy selling bikes on the side.”
“You do,” agreed Saks.